remember him as a barefoot boy living in a shack behind our hot-houses—and see him now—in here with you—

PETER. All the more credit, Frederik.

FREDERIK. Yes; but these are the sort of fellows who dream of getting into the firm. And there are more ways than one.

PETER. Do you mean to say—He wouldn't presume to think of such a thing.

FREDERIK. Oh, wouldn't he! The class to which he belongs presumes to think of anything. I believe he has been making love to Catherine.

PETER. [After a slight pause, goes to the dining-room door and calls.]
Katie! Katie!

FREDERIK. [Hastily.] Don't say that I mentioned it. [CATHERINE enters.

PETER. Katie, I wish to ask you a question. I—[He laughs.]
Oh, it's absurd. No, no, never mind.

CATHERINE. What is it?

PETER. I can't ask you. It's really too absurd.

CATHERINE. [Her curiosity aroused.] What is it, Uncle?… Tell me … tell me….

PETER. Has James ever—

CATHERINE. [Taken back and rather frightened—quickly.] No….

PETER. What?… How did you know what I … [FREDERIK gives her a shrewd glance; but PETER, suspecting nothing, continues.] I meant … has James shown any special interest in you?

CATHERINE. [As though accepting the explanation.] Oh … [Flurried.] Why, Uncle Peter!… Uncle Peter!… whatever put this notion into your head?

PETER. It's all nonsense, of course, but—

CATHERINE. I've always known James…. We went to school together…. James has shown no interest he ought not to have shown, Uncle Peter,—if that's what you mean. He has always been very respectful in a perfectly friendly way.

PETER. [Convinced.] Respectful in a perfectly friendly way. [To FREDERIK.] You can't ask more than that. Thank you, dear, that's all I wanted. Run along. [Glad to escape, CATHERINE leaves the room.] He was only respectful in a perfectly friendly way. [Slaps FREDERIK on the back.] You're satisfied now, I hope?

FREDERIK. No, I am not. If she hasn't noticed what he has in mind, I have. When I came into this room a few moments ago,—it was as plain as day. He's trying to make love to her under our very eyes. I saw him. I wish you would ask him to stay in his office and attend to his own business. [JAMES now re-enters on his way to the gardens.]

PETER. James, it has just occurred to me—that—[James pauses.] What was your reason for wanting to give up your position? Had it anything to do with my little girl?

JAMES. Yes, sir.

PETER. You mean that—you—you love her?

JAMES. [In a low voice.] Yes, sir.

PETER. O-ho! [FREDERIK gives PETER a glance as though to say, "Now, do you believe it?"

JAMES. But she doesn't know it, of course; she never would have known it.
I never meant to say a word to her. I understand, sir.

PETER. James! Come here … here!… [Bringing JAMES up before him at the desk.] Get your money at the office. You may have that position in Florida. Good-bye, James.

JAMES. I'm very sorry that … Good-bye, sir.

FREDERIK. You are not to tell her that you're going. You're not to bid her good-bye.

PETER. [To FREDERIK.] Sh! Let me attend to—

JAMES. [Ignoring FREDERIK.] I'm sorry, Mr. Grimm, that— [His voice falters.